Regulatory changes to strengthen measures that deter catalytic converter thefts across the province is welcome news to policing agencies.
Here in Delta, police continue to see a rise in catalytic converter thefts.
A/Sgt. Leisa Schaefer, Media Relations Officer for Delta Police said from January to March there have been a total of 36 catalytic converter thefts in Delta.
She said hotspots for thieves continue to be in Tilbury and Annacis Island.
“Delta Police has an initiative that we are promoting on our social media whereby we are asking people when they take their vehicle in for service to local mechanical dealerships to get their licence plate engraved and or their driver’s licence on the catalytic converter,” said Schaefer. “This is just another way to find out where the theft is coming from. I believe that this legislation that has just come in will assist with that.”
An amendment made to the Metal Dealers and Recyclers Regulation (MDRR) regulates catalytic converters that are not attached to an exhaust system. This requires registered metal dealers to report each transaction, including information about the seller, to police on the day of sale.
“We are changing the rules to better fight thieves who steal catalytic converters,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “These thefts create costs and consequences to the livelihoods of British Columbians and this change reduces the incentive to steal them in the first place.”
Catalytic converters can be sold to metal dealers without providing information about the seller, allowing them to remain anonymous. These updates to the MDRR, which were proposed by stakeholders such as the BC Association of Police Boards, will support police in locating illicit sellers and stolen items, and disrupting the distribution of stolen items.
“The theft of catalytic converters is a serious problem and we are happy to have consulted with the Province to help curb this illegal activity,” said Charla Huber, president, BC Association of Police Boards. “We are pleased that the Metal Dealers and Recyclers Regulation has been amended to include catalytic converters where they are detached from an exhaust system. We believe this provides police with an important tool to close the channel on those who steal and resell these items.”
A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that reduces pollutants in exhaust. Catalytic converters contain precious metals and have been a target for thefts due to the increase in the prices of those metals.
